Syrians seek refuge in ancient Roman tombs

Sami, 32, steps into an underground Roman tomb used for shelter from Syrian government forces shelling and airstrikes, at Jabal al-Zaweya, in Idlib province, Syria on Feb. 28.

Hussein Malla / AP

Nihal, 9, puts olive tree branches inside a wooden stove in an underground Roman tomb which she shares with her family as a shelter from Syrian government forces shelling and airstrikes.

Hussein Malla / AP

Sami speaks with his children at an underground Roman tomb which he uses with his family as shelter.

By Associated PressAcross northern Syria, rebels, soldiers, and civilians are making use of the country's wealth of ancient and medieval antiquities to protect themselves from Syria's two-year-old war. They are built of thick stone that has already withstood centuries, and are often located in strategic locations overlooking towns and roads.